Darlene Elda Evens

Darlene Elda Evens was born May 13, 1928, to Frank A. and Clara (Geske) Bauer in Peru, Illinois. She was the oldest of seven children. Growing up her family moved several times and she went to several different schools. Since she had attended so many different schools while she was growing up she wanted the stability of one school for her children during their grade school and high school years. Darlene was baptized and confirmed in the WELS Lutheran faith. She was a member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Balaton for most of her life. She was always encouraging her children to attend church activities. On March 1, 1949, Darlene Bauer married Harold Evens in Ward, S.D. They made their home on a farm southwest of Balaton after living at another farm for a short while. She lived there until she passed away on Sunday, July 2, 2017. She spent much of her time raising her family and helping on the farm. She also worked as a CNA when her children were older. Darlene loved having her children and their families over for a meal and visiting. It was often chili or meat, potatoes and vegetables. She did a lot of canning. She enjoyed hiking vacations with her family and also liked keeping the grove clean. She was still using a hand saw in the grove into her 80’s. She would then burn the dead branches. Darlene enjoyed going to Balaton on Tuesdays to play cards. She also attended the book club in Balaton. She liked to read. Another pastime was putting together jigsaw puzzles. On July 2, 2017, Darlene passed away shortly after a fall by one of the buildings at her farm. She is survived by three sons, Philip Evens and James (Debbie) Evens, both of Balaton and Donald Evens of Marshall; four daughters, Darlene Evens of Balaton, Maria DeMasi of Montgomery, AL and Yellowstone National Park, Gina (Tim) Rott of Ashley, ND, and Esther Evens of Balaton; siblings, Frank (Anita) Bauer of Marshall, David (Marie) Bauer of Garvin, Karen Hays of Marshall, and Edward (Claire) Bauer of Bloomington; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; nieces nephews and friends. Her husband and two sisters, Shirley Swenhaugen and Virginia Beneke preceded her in death. Friday, July 07, 2017 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Friday, July 07, 2017 11:00 AM